‘Oh, I’m sorry, Mr Barwell,’ she says in a sing-song voice. ‘I didn’t realise you had company. I was just going to say I’ve finished everything so I’m going to head off. I do hope you feel better soon, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything you need. I mean it. I’m often in the area so I can collect shopping, or things from the pharmacy. Just call and I’ll come running.’

‘Thank you, Gina,’ Jonathan says. ‘You’re very kind.’

‘It’s not a problem. The least I can do for my favourite customer.’

I feel like we’re collectively holding our breath as we wait for the sound of the front door closing and, sure enough, Will explodes with laughter as soon as it does.

‘I’ll come running anytime for my favourite customer,’ he says in a high-pitched voice between gasps for air. ‘Come off it, Dad. She’s nuts about you.’

‘She’s just a kind person, that’s all.’ Even Jonathan doesn’t look sure though, and if I had to describe his facial expression, the word ‘hunted’ would sum it up best.

‘The official story we’re telling is that Dad had some sort of collapse due to the pressure he’s been under,’ Will tells me. ‘We aren’t mentioning the “S” word, just so you know.’

‘Thank you, Will. Can we change the subject now, please? Tilly, have you had a chance to consider my invitation for lunch one Sunday?’

I was going to say no. Part of me feels I should still say no, really. There aren’t any specific rules about befriending ex-patients, but it doesn’t sit that easily with me. The problem is that I like being around them. Although they have done nothing but riff off each other during my time here, the love between the two men is palpable and I’ve really enjoyed spending time in their company. Before I have a chance to overthink it, I open my mouth.

‘I have,’ I tell him. ‘And I’d love to.’

‘Splendid. We’ll start with roast lamb, I think. Maybe a crumble for pudding now the weather’s turned colder. How about this Sunday? Strike while the iron’s hot?’

‘I can’t this Sunday, I’m afraid. I’m working. I’m free next Sunday though?’

‘It’s a date. I’ll even save you a crossword clue or two.’

Things wrap up fairly quickly after that, and it’s not long before I’m back in my car and turning towards home. It’s only as I leave Paddock Wood behind me that I realise it’s still only been a few hours since the horrible meeting with Luke and, even more strangely, I haven’t thought about him, Cindy or Richenda in the time I’ve spent with Jonathan and Will. At all.

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